Health and DNA Testing for the Australian Shepherd

Hosted by Valerie Yates - ASCA Provisional Breeder Judge, ASCA and USASA HOF

Kennel, CNASA HOF Kennel II, AKC Silver Breeder of Merit

Do you know what to test for in Aussies? Can you find your way around and

prioritize a DNA  Panel? Is more testing always better? An in-depth discussion of

why we test, and what we test for Australian Shepherds, as standardized by Parent

Clubs such as USASA and CNASA. We cover:

- Good and not as good uses of testing

- Phenotypic testing (e.g., hip and elbows scoring)

- Physical testing (e.g., cardiac, ophthalmic, etc.)

- Genetic testing (e.g., DNA panels)

- Optional but recommended testing for the breed

- What testing ideally can and should do, and what it can’t and shouldn’t do

- Pros and cons, grey areas, and avoiding "testing complacency"